Packing 101: Keep it simple (and smart)
Your trip to South America for Spanish language school will be the trip of a lifetime. You’ll immerse yourself in the culture, improve your language skills and make friends and memories you’ll never forget.
So you better be prepared.
Packing for your trip is part science, part art. You’ve got to be sure to bring the right things (that’s the science), but not too many of them (that’s the art). Pack too much and you risk having to haul around a heavy suitcase everywhere you go. Pack too little and you risk being caught without something you really, really need.
With that in mind, here are some tips to help you master the art and science of packing for your trip to South America for Spanish language school.
Start with the (absolute) necessities
The last thing you want to do is fly to South America only to find out that you forgot something important–really, really important.
So before you even open your closet doors and peak inside, make a list of any life-saving or life-enhancing necessities you need. Think about your prescription medications, your eye glasses or contacts, and any over-the-counter supplements you take on a daily basis.
While it’s true that you’ll have access to pharmacies and clinics on your trip, going through the hassle of filling a prescription in a foreign country can be expensive and a lot of hassle. So plan ahead and make sure to bring extras of everything, just in case … .
Watch the weather
Remember, you’re going to a Spanish language school in South America, where the weather can be unpredictable. It can be sunny one minute and raining the next.
Be sure to pack for the weather in the country you’ll be visiting. Bring rain ponchos (pocket-sized ones are perfect) so you’ll be prepared during excursions. In fact, bring a few–chances are your classmates will forget theirs. Also be sure to pack a few pairs of comfortable shoes. If your shoes get wet, there’s nothing like being able to slide on a dry pair the next day. Plus, you can donate them to charity before you leave the country–leaving more room in your suitcase to bring back souvenirs.
Think about convenience
Sometimes little things make a big difference–things like a money belt, a pocket dictionary and an extra charger for your smartphone. They’ll make navigating your new country a whole lot more convenient.